MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh

MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh
The initiative marks a new phase in ongoing environmental protection efforts, which have already led to the planting of over 95 million trees across the country through collaborations between public and private sectors. (SPA)
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Updated 01 November 2024
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MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh

MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, along with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, launched the National Afforestation Season for this year on Thursday in Riyadh under the title: “We Plant for Our Future.”

Khalid Al-Abdulqader, CEO of the NCVC, expressed his commitment to raising awareness about the significance of afforestation. He emphasized the need to support efforts to enhance vegetation cover and mitigate land degradation.

Through this season, the CEO aims to promote environmental sustainability and encourage the cultivation of local plants to improve the biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is taking further steps toward achieving the ultimate goal of the Saudi Green Initiative, SGI, which is to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares.

However, it requires strengthening partnerships with multiple sectors including the public and private sectors, and promoting volunteering among the society to achieve sustainable development goals.

The planting season also seeks to increase “tree planting” culture in Saudi Arabia, improve vegetation cover, and reduce land degradation by growing more local plants.

This initiative marks a new phase in environmental protection efforts, which have already led to the planting of more than 95 million trees across the country through collaborations between public and private sectors.

Previous partnerships have successfully rehabilitated 118,000 hectares of land and protected more than 4.3 million hectares, while this year, the target is to contribute to the SGI’s goal of planting 10 billion trees.

The Kingdom has been encouraging afforestation recently to tackle several environmental issues such as the rapidly changing climate, through lowering regional temperatures and controlling the severity of drought.

Saudi Arabia called on the world’s policymakers last month to urgently address land destruction and drought, especially since the country will be hosting the 16th UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP16 in Riyadh in December.


Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy

Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy
Updated 15 sec ago
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Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy

Forum focuses on women’s role in Saudi economy
  • Event features broad participation from experts, officials, academics and professionals, focusing on the women’s business sector
  • Prince Saud highlighted the Saudi leadership’s commitment to empowering women across various sectors

RIYADH: Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif inaugurated the Women’s Economic Forum in Dammam on Tuesday.

The event, organized by the Asharqia Chamber through its Women’s Empowerment Center, features broad participation from experts, officials, academics and professionals, focusing on the women’s business sector.

Prince Saud highlighted the Saudi leadership’s commitment to empowering women across various sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He emphasized the importance of economic programs designed to enhance women’s contributions to the national economy.

The chamber’s chairman, Badr Al-Rizaiza, briefed the governor on the forum’s objectives and the key initiatives supporting Saudi women’s empowerment.

The forum featured four sessions examining the evolving role of Saudi women under Vision 2030.

Topics included women’s contributions to achieving Vision 2030’s goals, opportunities in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, strategies for business sustainability, and the significance of training in preparing women for leadership roles.

On Wednesday, the forum will host four workshops focusing on key areas, including the Dhahran Techno Valley system and its support for entrepreneurship, as well as tourism entrepreneurship.

The workshops will also cover fostering workplace diversity and inclusiveness, and creative leadership as a cornerstone for success in today’s dynamic business environment.


Pakistan PM receives Saudi deputy interior minister in Islamabad

Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood is received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood is received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Updated 19 November 2024
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Pakistan PM receives Saudi deputy interior minister in Islamabad

Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood is received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
  • Al-Dawood also met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and discussed boosting security cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood was received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday.

They reviewed bilateral relations and discussed topics of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Dawood also met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and discussed boosting security cooperation.

Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki was among the Saudi officials in attendance.


AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels

AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels
Updated 19 November 2024
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AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels

AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels
  • Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment
  • Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km Kids’ Run to a 100 km ultra-marathon

RIYADH: The AlUla Trail Race will take place on Jan. 23 and 24, 2025, offering a challenge with stunning scenery for adventure enthusiasts.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km “Kids’ Run” to a 100 km ultra-marathon, providing options for all skill levels across AlUla’s desert landscape and ancient oases.

The AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya (the world’s largest mirrored building), and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra.

The 1.6 km race, for children aged 6 to 12, offers a safe and fun introduction to competitive running. The “Sunset Run” (3 km) allows participants aged 13 and older to explore AlUla’s oasis at sunset.

The 10 km “AlUla Oasis” race is open to runners aged 13 and older, suitable for beginners or those seeking a moderate challenge.

The “Elephant Rock” 23 km race is aimed at more experienced athletes aged 16 and older, and is equivalent to more than half a marathon.

The 50 km “Al-Mejdar” race is the toughest trial for runners aged 18 and older, while the 100 km “Hegra” event is the ultimate challenge for professional runners aged 18 and older, testing endurance in one of the most scenic and demanding races.

The event spans two days. On the first day, participants will register, receive race numbers and equipment, and attend a briefing before heading to the starting locations. Day one will also feature races for children, families and after-sunset events.

On day two, the 10 km, 23 km and ultramarathon races will be held, concluding with a ceremony to honor the winners and distribute awards.

In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the sports village will provide a range of food and beverages, including premium coffee, along with live music and entertainment.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation spaces will be available for runners post-race.


Riyadh library launches cultural tourism initiative

Riyadh library launches cultural tourism initiative
Updated 19 November 2024
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Riyadh library launches cultural tourism initiative

Riyadh library launches cultural tourism initiative

Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has launched an initiative to position Saudi Arabia as a top global destination for cultural tourism by attracting visitors worldwide to explore the library’s diverse branches, both within and outside the Kingdom.

This project aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by strengthening national identity, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through its efforts, the library seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, folk arts, and traditions, while deepening citizens’ connections to their cultural roots and contributing to economic diversification.

The library’s general supervisor, Faisal bin Muammar, affirmed its commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s cultural and tourism objectives.

The library’s cultural tourism approach goes beyond traditional collections, offering access to historical and rare manuscripts, art and more.


Art Films Week sparks dialogue in Riyadh

Art Films Week sparks dialogue in Riyadh
Updated 19 November 2024
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Art Films Week sparks dialogue in Riyadh

Art Films Week sparks dialogue in Riyadh
  • Visitors can enjoy the screenings in Fenaa Alawwal’s outdoor area, where kiosks provide a variety of food and refreshments

Riyadh: Film enthusiasts have gathered at Riyadh’s Fenaa Alawwal for Art Films Week, an event showcasing a selection of acclaimed documentaries and animations aimed at fostering cultural exchange and dialogue, organized under Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission.

Running until Nov. 21, the five-day Art Films Week is presenting five films: “Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV,” “Van Gogh and Japan,” “Omar Sharif: A Nomad’s Life,” “The King and Mister Bird,” and “The Prince Voyage.”

The opening day featured “Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV” by director Amanda Kim, which chronicles Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his vision of a future where “everybody will have his own TV channel.”

South African visitor Gavin Eckhart emphasized the film’s potential to inspire self-expression in the modern age. “Showing this documentary in this context might allow people to find their own self-expression within the modern age,” he told Arab News. 

He further highlighted the artist’s innovative use of technology to break boundaries despite a restrictive upbringing.

“I have really enjoyed his expressive nature in the context of manipulating the available technology,” he said. “He was able to break boundaries and innovate despite his restrictive upbringing, doing so in the most avant-garde way.” 

The documentaries were selected to align with the event’s theme by exploring art and creativity, showcasing influential artists like Nam June Paik, and highlighting the intersection of art and culture.

Visitors can enjoy the screenings in Fenaa Alawwal’s outdoor area, where kiosks provide a variety of food and refreshments. 

Under Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, Saudi Arabia is witnessing transformative progress across various sectors, with the cultural industry playing a key role. The number of cultural facilities in the Kingdom surpassed its 2023 target of 41, reaching 45, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering a diverse cultural landscape. 

Fenaa Alawwal is a key cultural facility in the capital Riyadh and was established by the Ministry of Culture to promote culture as a way of life.

Its landmark building first opened in 1988 and was recently placed under the custody of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City as part of Saudi Vision 2030’s National Transformation Program.